UNILAG Senate rebuffs VC’s removal, to dissolve council

The Senate of the University of Lagos, Akoka, has rejected the removal of the varsity’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, by the Governing Council, TopNaija can confirm.

In a resolution on Thursday, the top decision-making body of the institution passed a vote of no confidence in the council led by Dr Wale Babalakin and called for its dissolution. It also rejected the appointment of an acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Theophilus Soyombo, for the institution.

The resolution was signed by the Senate Chairman, Prof. Chioma Agomo, and five other members – Dele Olowokudejo, Oluwole Atoyebi, Folasade Akinsola, Lucian Chukwu, and Ayodele Atsenuwa.

The Senate said the action of the council was a violation of Section 3(8) (9) (10) and (11) of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act 2003, on the removal of the Vice-Chancellor of any Federal University in Nigeria.

It expressed shock at getting the news of the removal through social media.

“Due process was not followed in the purported appointment of the acting Vice-Chancellor as the Senate was neither informed nor invited to forward its recommendation to council.

“Its functions and its powers have been completely appropriated by the council in breach of the law.

“Senate resolved to reaffirm its confidence in Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, as the substantive Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos,” the statement added.

TopNaija recalls that the embattled and sacked Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, has engaged a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mike Ozekhome, to file a suit to challenge his removal from office.